Hi friends! It is my pleasure to welcome back author MJ Stratton to Austenesque Reviews today!
You might remember that MJ was here just a few months ago and shared an enticing excerpt from her upcoming release – What Ought to Have Been. 📕
And it was not just any upcoming release, it was one for a Sense and Sensibility variation! Unlike sequels and modernizations which fortunately are written for all of Jane Austen’s novels, 99.9% of the variations in the Austenesque world are for Pride and Prejudice. So this is a wonderful and refreshing treat! 👏🏼
I’m so happy and excited that MJ Stratton is bringing What Ought to Have Been – a true Sense and Sensibility variation – into the world! 🤗
~ From the Author ~
Almost everyone I talk to hates the end of Sense and Sensibility. The villains get away with no consequences. Even though Elinor and Marianne get a happy ending, readers are left dissatisfied with the outcome of the story. In What Ought to Have Been, I fix that. All the villains get what is coming to them, and I am pleased to say that it was incredibly satisfying to dish out Marianne’s revenge.
~ Book Description ~
Retribution belongs to God, and I am ill-equipped to carry it out in His place.
~Elinor Dashwood
Before leaving Norland forever, Elinor Dashwood forms an attachment to Edward Ferrars. Her tender regard remains constant when the four Dashwood ladies remove to Devonshire, taking up residence at Barton Cottage. Elinor’s hopes for the future are shattered when she unwillingly becomes the confidante of Lucy Steele, learning that Lucy has been betrothed to Edward for four years.
However, Lucy fails to secure Elinor’s vow of secrecy. When Marianne finds Elinor in her misery, the sisters share confidences, leading Marianne to compare Edward’s honorable conduct with that of John Willoughby. Her musings lead to some startling revelations, igniting a spark of defiance within her.
Determined to right the wrongs done to her and her beloved family, Marianne takes matters into her own hands. While Elinor may be ill-equipped to exact God’s retribution, Marianne is not. Armed with determination and resolve, Marianne Dashwood sets out to achieve her aims by any means necessary. But can she complete her journey without losing herself in the process?
And without further ado….here is the big reveal!!!
(expected release date: TODAY! 🙌🏼)
Very picturesque! I love the background with the greenery and what I am guessing is Barton Cottage. 🖼️
Ooh! That is a strong look – direct, resolute, knowing. Don’t. Mess. With. Marianne! 😠
I absolutely love this twist – it is such a reversal because Marianne was so preoccupied with her own disappointment she didn’t even recognize Elinor had any in S&S. 🔄
I’m so curious to see how Marianne exacts her revenge and to see the odious villains face some consequences! 👿
What do you think, friends? 🤔
~~~
GIVEAWAY TIME!!!
Today MJ brings with her 1️⃣ ebook copy of What Ought to Have Been for me to give away to 1️⃣ lucky reader!
To enter this giveaway leave a question, comment, or some love for MJ below and fill out the Rafflecopter form.
- This giveaway is open worldwide. Thank you, MJ!
- This giveaway ends June 30th.
Ohhh there are so few adaptations for other Jane Austen novels.. very excited for this!!! Love the cover art congratulations!!!
Thank you for your kind words! I hope you enjoy the book!
Beautiful cover! I love the contrasting colors and the pastoral setting. That setting also contrasts with a tale of vengeance but it makes me think of the calm before a storm. Jane Austen didn’t really make her villains suffer any retribution for their machinations. It’s nice to have JAFF authors who are willing to exact that revenge and show what ought to have been.
Great thoughts! Marianne grows and changes a lot in the book and learns some valuable lessons. Enjoy!
A lovely cover. I love the plum colour of the dress. I usually stick to Darcy and Elizabeth stories but ……… Retribution? I’m all for that. I’ve added this to my list. I won’t enter the giveaway as it is Rafflecopter and I no longer attempt those.
I hope you give it a chance!! I had a lot of fun writing it. 🙂
I love this premise. Marianne is the perfect character to fight for the family – determined, headstrong, and unconcerned with the censure of the world. Congratulations on the new release.
Thank you so much. Marianne’s considerable passions make her an excellent executor of revenge, right? Hope you enjoy it!
Lovely cover. Looking forward to reading about “just rewards”.
Thanks! Enjoy!
Yes, love the premise of revenge for certain S&S characters!
Right? The first time I ready S&S, I remember going, “What? What do you mean Lucy STILL wins? NO WAY!” This book fixes that, while still keeping in line with our characters’ personalities.
That look that says “bring it”… Not a big fan of S&S because they were all too milquetoast. Would love to see the revenge of Marianne!
I hope you give it a read! S&S is my favorite after P&P.
Thank you, I always felt the ending was too abrupt and did not bring closure. I am really looking forward to reading this. You are a terrific writer.
Why, thank you so much! I’m very flattered that you think so. I hope you enjoy this book and take delight in seeing all the villains get what is coming to them.
Hi Meredith! And Congratulations MJ!! Next to P&P, S&S is my next fav. I look forward to how Marianne puts her energy towards a more ‘honourable’ activity, LOL! As for the cover, I love the juxtapose of the the soft beige with the fun of the plum…propriety mixed with a bit of fun. I am looking forward to adding this to my list of summer reads. Again congratulations MJ!
Thank you! I hope you enjoy reading as much as I liked writing it.
This sounds wonderful! Thank you for the chance to win a copy. I’d love to read it!
Thanks for stopping by!
What a great cover! Looking forward to reading this.
Thanks Brenda! I hope you love it!
Yes! I have read a very few non-P&P variations and look forward to reading this one, especially by MJ Stratton!
Thank you! That makes me so glad to hear. I hope you love it!
Lovely cover and very fitting for this unique take on Sense & Sensibility! I thoroughly enjoyed seeing Marianne’s passionate anger! I was fortunate to receive an ARC of this book. Congratulations!
Your review was fabulous! Thanks for reading, Carole!
I love S&S and am always glad to discover new stories released for it.
Me too and there just aren’t enough of them!
Congratulations on the new book & glad to hear that some of the things that I can’t stand about the story are being “adjusted” 😉
I feel the same way! I sat on this plot bunny for over a year and a half. I hope I did it justice!
YES! I am so happy that someone took a chance on another of JA’s books! I love P&P stories, naturally, but the other books deserve the same love and attention that Darcy and Elizabeth get. I wrote one myself for S&S, so I was so glad to see someone else take it on. Cannot wait for this book — it’s going in my TBR hoard.
I hope you enjoy it!
A beautiful cover! I love the flash of color in the skirt. Congratulations. I have not yet read a Sense and Sensibility variation. This one will be my first, and I am looking forward to reading it.
Sounds like an intriguing premise. Count me in, I’m really looking forward to reading this one! Congrats MJ.
I love the cover… purple, yay! The background makes the photo shoot most excellent. I wonder if it is Barton Cottage as well. Could be. I can’t wait to see what Marianne is up to in her revenge. You go, girl. Blessings on the launch of this work. Thanks to Meredith for hosting and a special thanks to MJ and her publisher for the generous giveaway. Good luck to all in the drawing.
I think there are too few sequels and variations of other Jane Austen’s novels besides P&P. I understand they might not sell as well as P&P but I’m glad that there are some authors who decides to write something different. I hope they continue to give us more Persuasion, S&S and Emma stories to enjoy.
What Ought to have Been is a unique premise that I don’t think has been explored before. It looks like you are channeling Elizabeth Bennet’s spirit in Marianne. I look forward to this improved S&S story.